The sustainable transport charity, Sustrans and the Derry Access Forum have teamed up with local cycling clubs and community groups to deliver a range of exciting events as part of Bike Week 2014.
The theme of this year’s festival, made possible through funding from DRD-Travelwise, the Public Health Agency and Derry City Council, is “Better by Bike”
Deputy Mayor, Alderman Gary Middleton, who helped launch the festival programme in Ebrington with local primary school pupils, has described the festival as ‘extremely accessible and having something for everybody.’ Speaking about the range of events for this year’s Bike Week he added: “Bike Week encourages people to think of other forms of transport and maybe think about leaving the car behind and getting on their bike instead. With over 15km of traffic-free riverside greenways, not to mention the Peace Bridge, there has never been a better time to take to two wheels.”
This year’s festival will see the return of the Quayside Maiden City Crit on Tuesday 10th June. Building on the success of last year’s race, two city centre races will be on offer with the first race starting at 7pm sharp and huge crowds are expected. Spectator admission is free and all ages are welcome. Event registration is £13 and is now open by visiting www.entrycentral.com/Quayside_Maiden_City_criterium
The Two Bridges Family Cycle will take place on Saturday June 14th in aid of Foyle Hospice. Registration is open at www.foylehospice.com is only £5 and will automatically enter you into a draw for a new children’s bike.
Ross McGill, Sustrans Bike Officer said: “No bike, No bother – there are a range of events in which you can take advantage of free rides, bike maintenance clinics and training. As part of the programme we are asking people to swap one journey during Bike Week that they would normally make by car for the bike – be it to school, the shop or work. As an added incentive if you register your journey you’ll automatically be entered into a draw to win a new bike, courtesy of The Dept. of Regional Development’s Cycling Unit!
If access to bikes is an issue you can get a lend of a bike and any necessary kit for free, courtesy of the lovely people at Claudy Cycles. So no valid excuses this year!!”
Terms and conditions apply and availability is limited. To find out more and to register to swap a journey simply go to www.derrycity.gov.uk/bikeweek or contact Sustrans on 028 71 365151 or derry-londonderry@sustrans.org.uk
The full programme is being delivered across the city and can be downloaded from www.derrycity.gov.uk/bikeweek or contacting Sustrans NW office on 028 71 365151 on Facebook and Twitter @SustransNI